Olympic legend Lord Sebastian Coe to become Loughborough University Chancellor
Loughborough University’s Chair of Council and Senior Pro-Chancellor, Sir Peter Bonfield, is delighted to announce the nomination of Lord Sebastian Coe as the University’s new Chancellor.
Lord Sebastian Coe
Lord Coe, who made Olympic history by winning gold and silver in the 1980 and 1984 Games, graduated from Loughborough in 1979 and has remained a close friend and supporter of the University.
He will be Loughborough’s sixth Chancellor, replacing Sir Nigel Rudd, and officially installed at the University’s summer graduation ceremonies in July.
The Chancellor is the Chief Ambassador of the University, presides over ceremonial functions and confers degrees on graduates of the University.
Speaking about his appointment as Chancellor Lord Coe said: “Loughborough University seems to have been part of my life for about as long as I remember. Whilst my love of athletics started in school it was at Loughborough that I began to realise my full potential with the support of world class coaches and sport scientists who worked alongside my coach and father.
“Since that time Loughborough has gained a pre-eminent position as a global leader in higher education, teaching and research. It also prides itself on creating an environment where students are able to develop their talents in and out of the lecture theatre that better prepares them for life beyond university.
“I am very honoured to take on this role and look forward to the next chapter in the history of the University.”
Professor Robert Allison, Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University, added: “We are delighted to announce Lord Coe as our sixth Chancellor. As one of the world’s most high profile sportsmen and a long standing friend of Loughborough University, he is perfect for the role.”
Jon Ako, President of Loughborough Students’ Union said: “It is fantastic to have one of our most celebrated alumni take on the role of Chancellor, and I know the student body will join me in congratulating him on this new appointment.”
Lord Coe is currently the University’s Pro-Chancellor and President of the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF). He graduated from Loughborough with a BSc in Economics and Social History and set 12 world records during his athletics career.
He was Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, having previously been Chairman of the London 2012 bid company, and was Chairman of the British Olympic Committee in the lead up to and during the unprecedented medal success of Team GB at the Rio Olympic Games.
Notes for editors
Press release reference number: PR 17/48
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Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, named the best university in the world to study sports-related subjects in the 2017 QS World University Rankings and top in the country for its student experience in the 2016 THE Student Experience Survey.
Loughborough was ranked 4th in the Guardian University League Table 2017 and 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2017 and was also named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
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